AI offers huge potential for tackling global crises — but its rapid growth also carries major environmental costs. There are high hopes that AI can help tackle some of the world’s biggest environmental emergencies. For example, the technology is already being used to map the destructive dredging of sand and chart emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. But when it comes to the environment, there is a negative side to the explosion of AI. The proliferating data centres that house AI servers produce electronic waste. They are large consumers of water, which is becoming scarce in many places. They rely on critical minerals and rare elements, which are often mined unsustainably. And they use massive amounts of electricity, driving the emission of planet-warming greenhouse gases. At the upcoming United Nations Environment Assembly #UNEA7, happening from 8 to 12 December in Nairobi, leaders will discuss emerging issues like AI and explore how we should balance its benefits with its planetary footprint. It’s time for global solutions to make AI sustainable.